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The Career Catalyst: A Professional Development Blog

Remaining Professional in a Candidate's Market

Posted by Diana Shay Milazzo on Jun 7, 2022 9:50:02 AM

Insurance unemployment remains low, job openings are at an all-time high, and organizations have record-breaking hiring goals. Even if you’re not actively job searching, it’s likely recruiters are reaching out to share potential opportunities with increasing frequency. While we’re currently in a candidate’s market, how you handle these interactions – regardless of your intent to make a move – is a direct reflection of your personal brand.

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Topics: Recruitment, Interviews, Job Search

7 Questions to Ask to Help Gauge Company Culture

Posted by Jessica LaFountain on Apr 30, 2021 5:48:17 PM

While most professionals have been working remotely for more than a year, it’s likely those aiming to make a career move are facing a fully remote interview process for the first time. In this new virtual journey, candidates must reevaluate how to make a positive, lasting impression, while also determining whether a position and company are a good culture fit. Without the ability to physically visit an office and experience its energy and employee interactions first-hand, how can prospective hires effectively gauge company culture?

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Topics: Interviews, Company Culture

Continuing Your Job Search Remotely

Posted by The Jacobson Group on May 26, 2020 9:43:00 AM

Today’s remote work environment and economic uncertainty is impacting businesses and job seekers alike. However, while many industries have made significant reductions to their staffing plans, insurers continue to hire amid the pandemic. Recruiting methods have changed to accommodate physical office closures, and individuals have had to quickly adjust to interviewing over platforms such as Zoom and Skype. If you are currently looking for a new role, here are a few best practices to ensure you’re most effective in the virtual environment.

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Topics: Interviews, Job Search

Five Dos and Don’ts for Acing Your Next Interview

Posted by Jessica LaFountain on Dec 19, 2019 8:45:30 AM

Interviewing for a new job often feels overwhelming. Unfortunately, that stress can show when you talk with a recruiter or hiring manager, leaving a less-than-perfect first impression. And though we’re currently in a candidate-driven market, you still need to outshine other individuals if you want to land your dream job. As a recruiter, I’ve interviewed hundreds of insurance professionals seeking to further their careers and I have identified several behaviors that set candidates apart. Here are my top five tips to help ease your stress and ensure you walk into your next interview prepared and ready to impress.

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Topics: Interviews, Professional Development

Save the Ghosting for Halloween: Don't Let Your Professional Reputation Haunt You

Posted by The Jacobson Group on Oct 30, 2019 9:55:06 AM

There’s a new ghastly trend running rampant among job seekers. Within the past couple years, ghosting has become a common occurrence, with 83 percent of employers reporting they’ve been ghosted by a candidate. Originally a term reserved for the dating world, ghosting has expanded into the professional realm. Loosely defined, it describes a person not showing up or becoming unreachable—with no notice, explanation or follow up—at any point in the employment process. This could mean skipping interviews, stopping communication with recruiters and hiring managers, or even neglecting to show up for a first day of work.

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Topics: Retention, Interviews, Professional Development

How to Prepare for Any Type of Interview

Posted by The Jacobson Group on Sep 20, 2019 9:14:57 AM

Congratulations, you’ve been selected for an interview! As most professionals know, simply showing up is not the next step. It’s time to review your resume and qualifications, research the company, and align your transferable attributes and experiences – not to mention polish up on your interview skills. Proper preparation can help calm your nerves, side step any avoidable mishaps and enable you to put your best foot forward.

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Topics: Recruitment, Interviews